Plans for PNGDF centre progressing

From left: Atsum International representative George Bamete Jr, Centric Construction managing director Nelson Vagi and New Zealand defence adviser to PNG Lt Col Francis Prendergast at the first start up meeting up for the Kumul Leadership Centre project at the New Zealand High Commission in Port Moresby last Friday. – Picture supplied

THE planned development of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) Leadership Centre at Murray Barracks has advanced, with the awarding of the building contract to Port Moresby-based construction company Centrix Construction. The New Zealand High Commission said in a statement that the building was scheduled to start this month, with local sub-contractors being utilised.
The leadership centre is one of four being built in Fiji, Tonga, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu, funded by the New Zealand ministry of foreign affairs and trade and managed by the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF). NZDF adviser in Papua New Guinea Lt Col Francis Prendergast said the progress on the leadership centre at Murray Barracks was positive. “The Kumul leadership framework will be able to grow and reach more PNGDF leaders and other PNG government agencies when the centre is finished,” he said.
“The NZDF is pleased to collaborate with PNGDF to set an example of what can be achieved when people work together with a common aim.” The PNGDF formally launched its Kumul leadership framework in 2017.